Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,995

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Telecaster Bass is a classic embodiment of rock 'n' roll history, channeling the vibe and aesthetics of its iconic guitar namesake. Perfectly bridging vintage appeal with modern craftsmanship, this bass guitar stands out with its humbucking pickup, offering a rich and powerful tone that has been a staple for musicians across genres. Its design, inspired by the Telecaster Custom, is a nod to the past while firmly planted in the present, making it a beloved choice for those who value both sound and style.

The Telecaster Bass features a 3-bolt neck design, providing stability and ease of adjustment, allowing for a personalized playing experience. Musicians can choose between a maple or rosewood fretboard, catering to different tonal preferences and playing feels. Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz ensemble or bringing the thunder in a rock band, the Telecaster Bass delivers with precision and flair.

With its distinctive look and sound, this bass is more than an instrument; it's a piece of musical heritage ready to be a part of your journey. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or just starting out, the Fender Telecaster Bass offers a resonant, full-bodied sound that will inspire and elevate your performance.

Key Features:

  • Humbucking pickup for powerful sound
  • 3-bolt neck design for stability
  • Choice of maple or rosewood fretboards
  • Inspired by the iconic Telecaster Custom design

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster Bass
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Walnut
Year 1971 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster Bass
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Telecaster Bass?

The Fender Telecaster Bass is known for its deep, rich tones with a warm, vintage character. It's particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and country music, providing a solid low-end foundation with clear articulation.

Is the Fender Telecaster Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Telecaster Bass is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and comfortable playability. Its passive pickups offer a classic sound that is easy to manage, making it a great choice for those starting their bass journey.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Telecaster Bass?

The Fender Telecaster Bass typically features a chunky neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that's ideal for players who prefer a substantial feel. This makes it well-suited for those who enjoy a vintage-style bass experience.

Does the Fender Telecaster Bass work well for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Telecaster Bass is a reliable choice for live performances due to its durable construction and powerful sound. Its passive pickups deliver consistent tone, making it a dependable option for gigging musicians.

What body materials are used in the Fender Telecaster Bass?

The Fender Telecaster Bass is constructed from alder or ash, both of which contribute to its distinctive tonal qualities. Alder offers a balanced sound with good sustain, while ash provides a brighter tone with pronounced mids and highs.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster Bass Guitar | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Fender Telecaster Bass Guitar | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1971 Fender Telecaster Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1971 Fender Telecaster Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1971 Fender Telecaster Bass Candy Apple Red | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1971 Fender Telecaster Bass Candy Apple Red | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1975 Fender Telecaster Bass | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen by Chicago Music Exchange

1975 Fender Telecaster Bass | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and resonant with a vintage sound from the '50s Ash bodies

  • High-output humbucker delivers a powerful, distinct sound

  • Chunky D-shaped neck offers a comfortable, fast playing experience

  • Versatile sound suitable for Motown, blues, and rock

  • Vintage vibe with a unique character and historical significance

  • No battery needed; simple and straightforward design

  • Loud and distinct sound even without a distortion box

  • Well-balanced and comfortable slab body

  • Quick neck with extensive reach, feels like a short scale

  • Ideal for those seeking a classic Precision Bass feel

CONS

  • Heavy body can be cumbersome during long playing sessions

  • Lacks contouring, which may require adjustment for some players

  • Requires extensive amp setting adjustments when switching from modern basses

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The dual humbucker model delivers a heavy, thunderous, and raw sound, distinct from traditional P-bass tones.

    Source
  • The pickup location may cause the sound to become muddy, potentially getting lost in a mix depending on the musical setting.

    Source
  • The Telecaster Bass features a Tele-style headstock and no contouring on the body, with horns for balance when used with a strap.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Plays similarly to a P-bass but offers a unique sound profile, making it a complementary addition alongside Mexican Jazz or P-basses.

    Source
  • The Fender's Wide Range Humbucker Bass (WRHB) is described as more snarly and growly compared to Gibson's mudbucker, retaining more mids and highs despite pickup placement.

    Source
  • The Modern Player Tele Bass is likened to a reissue of the original Precision Bass with an added bridge pickup, reflecting its vintage roots.

    Source
  • Similar pricing and desirability issues are noted with Modern Player Starcaster basses from the same era, indicating a trend in limited production bass guitars gaining value.

    Source

User experience

  • Described as a "beast" with impressive quality, the Chinese-made dual humbucker Telecaster Bass is favorably compared to an upper-range Squier with a Fender logo.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Seen used by Fat Mike from NOFX, indicating its capability in punk rock settings with a powerful live performance sound.

    Source
  • The bass has a growly low end with a chunky neck, ideal for those seeking a distinctive, aggressive tone in specific musical contexts.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners caution about potential misaligned bridges, advising to check string alignment and bridge centering before purchasing.

    Source

Build quality

  • Concerns exist regarding the fit and finish, particularly with the neck quality on certain models, suggesting inconsistencies in build quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Fender Modern Player Tele Bass has nearly doubled in price since 2012, now exceeding $1,000 due to limited production and growing demand among enthusiasts.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rick_emry

Thunder from Mount Olympus (You won't need a distortion pedal with this one!)

This version of the Fender Telecaster (with the massive powerful neck-located hum-bucker pickup) was made from 1972 to 1979. Ultra-simple, single-pickup, very low, very rumbling, very distorted. Unique. Special. Great Bass if you have at least one other with a different, more subtle voice capability. Great Bass if you don't need one with a more subtle voice capability. You'll save with this one because you don't need a distortion box. Played by: Arthur Kane (The New York Dolls) Dr. Matt Destruction (The Hives) (error 404 - not found) As soon as I reboot, I'll come back & add to this list.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

VOLUME ON FULL TONE is the only setting you need for this baby. Start in the middle & tweak as needed. I recommend an AMP of at least 300 Watts (RMS) and a Speaker cabinet of 2 x 15" min. (& that's just for practicing @ home.)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via reverb.com

In the Reverb article titled "New Reverb Shop Will Let You Own a Piece of Billy Corgan," images showcase Billy Corgan's Fender Telecaster Bass, highlighting its availability in his shop.

See how John Paul Jones uses Fender Telecaster Bass

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Jones used this bass during his time with Seasick Steve. In this photo, he is pictured in Reading Festival 2011, on day two (August 27, 2011).

See how Mike Dirnt uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

This bass used for recording album "Revolution Radio". Confirmed by Mike on Instagram.

See how Jason Newsted uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified

If we scroll down the page,we can see Jason Newsted playing a Fender Telecaster bass.

See how Pete Townshend uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

Townshend can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster Bass in this studio photo.

See how Steve Harris uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Steve Harris

Bassist, Composer

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Guitar World

"A friend told him that he had to play the acoustic guitar first, and he bought one and figured out a few chords. It didn't take him long, however, to realize that this route wasn't what he wanted, and soon he shelled out forty hard-earned pounds to buy a copy of a Fender Tele bass. "

See how John Entwistle uses Fender Telecaster Bass

John Entwistle

Singer, Bassist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Discord, arrows highlight multiple Fender Telecaster Basses used by John Entwistle.

See how Billy Sheehan uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Billy Sheehan

Guitarist, Bassist

UFO

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 7:44, Sheehan pulls out a white Telecaster Bass and states:

"So moving up a little bit, take note this is a '68 Telecaster Bass, and I bring this out just to show that the necks on these are just massive, like a Baseball Bat, they're kinda famous for being this big giant thing."

"Now if some of you follow me on some social media, a couple weeks ago I put a set of Steve Harris from Iron Maiden's Flatwound strings on here."

[...]

So there's not a lot of bright shrill to them.

"But I though they'd be a good thing on this old school Bass to put some Flatwound strings on it and just to have an original version of this tele bass. Its been painted, I dont think this is the original pickguard either, and the thumbrest certinly doesn't go here, but I'm not changing anything untill I take it somewhere where they tell me either 'Make the change or leave it alone' 'cuz I've seen too many antique shows where somebody decides to paint some old thing, 'Would've been worth a millon dollars, now we'll give you a hundred bucks for it' so."

"But this neck is just glorious, it's a massive, huge thing, a lot of people will get worried about 'Well my hands aren't really big, so I gotta play a small neck' that's not true, you never have to do that, you never have to wrap around. Basicly if I have a strech I bring my arm around, and you can make all kinds of moves like that, but in your carrer if you have to do that even once ever thats alot, most of the time... this is what all of us are doing"

See how Rex Brown uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Rex Brown

Bassist

Pantera

...
Verified via Photo

Rex with James Hetfield. Screenshot from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q82fv_fMnQ&ab_channel=GibsonTV

See how Chris Squire uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Chris Squire

Singer, Bassist

Yes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video for No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed, at 0:40 onward, Squire can be seen with a maple-necked Fender Telecaster Bass in a White finish.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

Tweedy can be seen in this photo playing a Fender Telecaster Bass.

See how Adam Clayton uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this 1987 photo from the Joshua Tree (and Rattle & Hum) tour, Adam Clayton is seen playing a Fender Telecaster bass. It is one of the items listed in the Rattle & Hum tour book.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Telecaster Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
3
Fender Precision Bass
Fender Precision Bass Electric Basses
3
Ibanez AEB8E Acoustic Bass
Ibanez AEB8E Acoustic Bass Acoustic & Acoustic-Electric Basses
2
Gallien-Krueger 800RB
Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amplifier Heads
2
Squier Jazz Affinity
Squier Jazz Affinity Electric Basses
2
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Gibson J-160E
Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass Electric Basses
2

Community setups

Show yours
jackgooginss

jackgooginss

Gear IQ 379

jackgooginss

jackgooginss

Gear IQ 379

jackgooginss

jackgooginss

Gear IQ 379

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